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Years ago I was stuck by something I heard on the radio. In my state they were debating an important social issue. The reporter stated that some of the delegates had not been there to cast their vote and quoted one such delegate who said, “I wasn’t there today, but I will do the right thing!”. The reporter didn’t clarify what the delegate meant by saying they would “do the right thing”, but I was left with the impression that this delegate was a supporter of a change. I don’t know if that impression is true or not, but what struck me was the words this delegate used to describe his vote. They were going to vote “to do the right thing.” The question that was left floating in my mind was, “Which is…what?” In the mind of this delegate they were going to vote the “right” way, according to them. The question of who determines what is right and wrong is a problem that has plagued societies since the days of Adam. No matter what anyone says or thinks, all societies govern themselves by rules and laws that are set up by it’s chosen “moral” code. And choosing to have no “moral code” is a code unto itself.

Over my lifetime I have seen the mores of this society dramatically change. “Doing the right thing”, according to our society, is vastly different today than when I was a young man. Did the “right thing” change, or did the people decide to change what was once seen as “wrong” to something that is now viewed as “right” or acceptable. No rational person can deny that our moral social code has been shifting over the years and continues to do so. In many cases what society once considered a “sin” is now just considered a “choice”. And the “choice” one chooses is not better or worse than a different “choice” of another. Thus “doing the right thing” is just a matter of opinion. And while being able to express opinions is great, opinions can’t change truth, unless of course, there is no truth! Herein lies the question that you and I should ask of ourselves. Where can I find the truth of things? As believers in Jesus Christ we know to whom we should turn. Christ spoke to his disciples regarding truth.

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31:32).

The followers of Jesus didn’t quite get what he was trying to tell them so they responded inquisitively-

“We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? And Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” (vs. 33-34).

Christ was telling them that they would be free from the bondage of sin and it’s consequences. Societies can change laws and enforce such mandates on it’s people. But that doesn’t change the moral consequences that come with those mandates. Giving the legal right to have an abortion “on demand” might not be criminal anymore, but the emotional and spiritual damage done to men and women who wantonly participate in such actions is inescapable. There is a giver of a higher law than man. And the author and giver of that law is Heavenly Father. I believe that He communicates His words through prophets and apostles. He also gives each of us the right to receive guidance on personal matters via the Holy Ghost.

We need to be open minded on moral subjects, but be firm and steady when it comes to following the prophets. We can have “opinions”, but if we want to find safety from the confusing and changing moral structure, we need to follow them.